State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg enters his office for a press conference on Sen. Leland Yee's indictment at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg enters his...

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State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center, flanked by Sen. Kevin de Leon, left, and Sen. Mark Leno, right, calls on Sen. Leland Yee to resign during a press conference in his office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center,...

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State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center, calls on Sen. Leland Yee to resign during a press conference in his office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center, is flanked by Sen. Kevin de Leon, left, and Sen. Mark Leno, right, as they take questions from reporters regarding Sen. Leland Yee's indictment after a press conference in Steinberg's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center, is...

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State Sen. Mark Leno, left, hugs Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, right, after a press conference asking Sen. Leland Yee to resign in Steinberg's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

State Sen. Mark Leno, left, hugs Senate president pro tempore...

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An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center, is flanked by Sen. Kevin de Leon, left, and Sen. Mark Leno, right, as they take questions from reporters regarding Sen. Leland Yee's indictment during a press conference in Steinberg's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

State Senate president pro tempore Darrell Steinberg, center, is...

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SFPD and FBI agents stand outside the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown that was the target of a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

SFPD and FBI agents stand outside the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free...

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FBI investigators load computers and other evidence from the house of state Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Yee has been arraigned in federal court on charges of public corruption.

Photo: Mathew Sumner, Special To The Chronicle

FBI investigators load computers and other evidence from the house...

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A box of cell phones sit in a van collected as evidence by the FBI from the house of state Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Yee has been arraigned in federal court on charges of public corruption.

Photo: Mathew Sumner, Special To The Chronicle

A box of cell phones sit in a van collected as evidence by the FBI...

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An FBI agent wheels boxes of evidence out of Senator Leland Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

An FBI agent wheels boxes of evidence out of Senator Leland Yee's...

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JACKSON/B/6MAY97/MN/HO San Francisco school board president Keith Jackson. Photo from Lowell HS.

JACKSON/B/6MAY97/MN/HO San Francisco school board president Keith...

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2011 mayoral candidate and state senator, Leland Yee, explains his platform to the editorial board of the San Francisco Chronicle in San Francisco, CALIF on Sept. 29, 2011.

Photo: Tim Maloney, The Chronicle

2011 mayoral candidate and state senator, Leland Yee, explains his...

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An FBI investigator carries a computer from the house of state Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) in San Francisco on Wednesday, March 26, 2014. Yee has been arraigned in federal court on charges of public corruption.

Photo: Mathew Sumner, Special To The Chronicle

An FBI investigator carries a computer from the house of state Sen....

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California Highway Patrol Officers stand guard outside state Senator Leland Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California as FBI agents search for evidence inside on March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

California Highway Patrol Officers stand guard outside state...

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California Highway Patrol Officers stand guard outside state Senator Leland Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California as FBI agents search for evidence inside on March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

California Highway Patrol Officers stand guard outside state...

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Derek Cressman, who is running against Senator Leland Yee for California's Secretary of State office, speaks to reporters outside Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Derek Cressman, who is running against Senator Leland Yee for...

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An FBI agent wheels boxes of evidence out of Senator Leland Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

An FBI agent wheels boxes of evidence out of Senator Leland Yee's...

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A California Highway Patrol Officer stands guard outside state Senator Leland Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California as FBI agents search for evidence inside on March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

A California Highway Patrol Officer stands guard outside state...

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Derek Cressman, who is running against Senator Leland Yee for California's Secretary of State office, speaks to reporters outside Yee's office at the State Capitol in Sacramento, California, March 26, 2014.

Photo: Max Whittaker/Prime, Special To The Chronicle

Derek Cressman, who is running against Senator Leland Yee for...

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An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short / The Chronicle

An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong...

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An FBI agent enters the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

An FBI agent enters the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple...

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A family,right, stands in their doorway as a Police Special Agent carries bags of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

A family,right, stands in their doorway as a Police Special Agent...

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A family,right, stands in their doorway as a Police Special Agent carries bags of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

A family,right, stands in their doorway as a Police Special Agent...

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People gather to watch as police and FBI agents raid the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

People gather to watch as police and FBI agents raid the Ghee Kung...

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People gather to watch as police and FBI agents raid the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

People gather to watch as police and FBI agents raid the Ghee Kung...

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A firefighter carries pry bars and other tools into Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

A firefighter carries pry bars and other tools into Ghee Kung Tong...

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An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong...

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An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong...

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A firefighter carries a pry bar as he exits the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

A firefighter carries a pry bar as he exits the Ghee Kung Tong...

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An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

An FBI agent carries boxes of evidence out of the Ghee Kung Tong...

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Police and FBI agents load boxes of evidence taken from the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown, into a waiting vehicle during a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.
The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

Police and FBI agents load boxes of evidence taken from the Ghee...

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SFPD and FBI agents are seen outside the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown that was the target of a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

SFPD and FBI agents are seen outside the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese...

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An SFPD officer is seen in the doorway of the Ghee Kung Tong Chinese Free Masons Temple in Chinatown that was the target of a raid related to Sen. Leland Yee's arrest, San Francisco, CA, Wednesday Mar. 26, 2014.The FBI raids State Sen. Leland Yee's office in Sacramento and other locations were searched by the FBI in San Francisco. He was reportedly arrested on public corruption charges Wednesday morning amid raids of his office in Sacramento and searches by the FBI in San Francisco.

Photo: Michael Short, The Chronicle

An SFPD officer is seen in the doorway of the Ghee Kung Tong...

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Leland Yee, left, talks with Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow during a rally for a candidate for the city Board of Supervisors in 2010.

Photo: Handout, Courtesy

Leland Yee, left, talks with Raymond "Shrimp Boy" Chow during a...

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In 1997, Supervisor Leland Yee, left and San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, center, pour several bottles of Bushmills whiskey down the drain in front of the Dovre Club, an Irish pub in San Francisco on March 17, 1997. Brown and Yee were joined by a small crowd from the pub celebrating St. Patrick's Day to pledge their support of a world-wide boycott of Bushmills in protest of what they claim are discriminatory hiring practices in the whiskey's plant in Northern Ireland.

Photo: Thor Swift

In 1997, Supervisor Leland Yee, left and San Francisco Mayor Willie...

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After eight years on the San Francisco School Board, Leland Yee successfully ran for supervisor in 1996.

Photo: Eric Luse

After eight years on the San Francisco School Board, Leland Yee...

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From left, Chinese General Consul Zeng Shou Song, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Director Michael Lee, British Consul General Malcolm Dougal and San Francisco Supervisor Leland Yee exchange handshakes and good wishes at a breakfast in San Francisco Monday, June 30, 1997 held to witness, via satellite, the handover of Hong Kong.

Photo: Sam Morris

From left, Chinese General Consul Zeng Shou Song, Hong Kong...

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After being re-elected Supervisor in 2000, Yee ran and was elected to the State Assembly in 2002 to represent the 12th Assembly District. In 2003, Leland Yee was appointed as the Assistant Speaker pro Tempore, the first Asian Pacific American to achieve that post. In this photo, Yee presides over a State Assembly session at the Capitol Building in June 2003 in Sacramento.

Photo: Mark Costantini, SFC

After being re-elected Supervisor in 2000, Yee ran and was elected...

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Leland Yee (D-SF) appeared before the Tulare Co. Board of Supervisors with Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro). Assembly members Leland Yee and Ellen Corbett met with local politicians in Tulare Co. to try to sell California's proposed fiscal budget in June 2003 in Visalia, Calif.

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., center, raises his arms with state Board of Equalization Chairwoman Carole Migden, left, and state Assemblyman Leland Yee, right, after giving a campaign speech at the Delancey Street Auditorium in San Francisco, Thursday Feb. 26, 2004.

Photo: Eric Risberg

Democratic presidential hopeful Sen. John Edwards, D-N.C., center,...

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Entertainer Paula Abdul, right, urges lawmakers to approve a measure that would require stronger cleanliness standards for nail salons, during a committee hearing at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Monday, June 27, 2005. Abdul told members of the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, how she had gotten an infection while getting a manicure from a Studio City nail salon in 2004. If passed by the Legislature, the measure by Assemblyman Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, left, would strengthen cleanliness standards and require nail salons to post conspicuous notices when disciplinary action is taken against them.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli

Entertainer Paula Abdul, right, urges lawmakers to approve a...

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State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, left, discusses his bill to make it illegal for employers and college admissions officers to ask for current or prospective workers and students for their social media passwords, with Sen. Ted Gaines, R-Granite Bay in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, May 25, 2012. Gaines . who was one of several GOP members who voted against the bill , said he supports the intent but is concerned that it's too broad. Despite the opposition the bill was approved on a 28-5 vote and sent to the Assembly.

California State Assemblyman Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) (right) and California State Senator Abel Maldonado (R-Santa Maria) (left) look on as California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signs emergency prescription drug legislation at a Safeway pharmacy January 20, 2006 in Alameda, California. Gov. Schwarzenegger signed state bill AB132, the legislation will provide emergency access to prescription drugs for vulnerable Californians who are having difficulties with the new Medicare prescription drug program.

Photo: Justin Sullivan

California State Assemblyman Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) (right)...

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Assemblyman Leland Yee, left, Speaker pro Tempore, D-San Francisco, pays his respects to Princess Mele Siu'ilikutapu, right, sister of Princess Kaimana, during a memorial service at the Tongan Royal estate in Hillsborough, Calif., Wednesday, July 12, 2006. The service was held for the Tongan royal family members, Prince Tu'ipelehake, 56, Princess Kaimana, 46, and their driver, Vinisia Hefa, 36 who were killed in a vehicle accident in Menlo Park, Calif., on July 5, 2006.

In this Tuesday, April 13, 2010 picture, State Sen. Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, right, discusses the aspects of a speaking contract for former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin, that were found among the trash, foreground, at California State University, Stanislaus, during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif. CSU, Stanislaus students Ashli Briggs, left, and Alicia Lewis, not pictured, say they were tipped off last week that school officials had attempted to dispose of documents concerning Palin's speaking appearance for the CSU Stanislaus Foundation in June.

California State Senator Leland Yee, PH.D (District 8, San Francisco) shows off some shark fin soup during a press conference at the Far East Cafe regarding a bill that has been introduced by legislators to ban the possession, sale and distribution of shark fins used in a traditional Chinese soup on February 14, 2011 in San Francisco Calif.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee, PH.D (District 8, San...

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Senator Leland Yee (D-SF) talking with protestors outside of the UC campus at Mission Bay as the regents meet to hear details of UC President Mark Yudof's plan to cut $813 million from the university budget in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, July 14, 2009.

Senator Leland Yee- D of San Francisco,(right) and Senator Ron Calderon, of Montebello, in a discussion on the floor of the Senate Chamber at the State Capitol, in Sacramento, Ca., on Thursday May 3, 2012.

Photo: Michael Macor, The Chronicle

Senator Leland Yee- D of San Francisco,(right) and Senator Ron...

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Senator Leland Yee ran for the San Francisco Mayor's office in 2011. Supporters of mayoral candidate and State Sen. Leland Yee gather at the Imperial Palace restaurant in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011. The group backed Yee over incumbent Mayor Edwin Lee.

Photo: Thomas Webb, The Chronicle

Senator Leland Yee ran for the San Francisco Mayor's office in...

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Senator Leeland Yee greets people at the Tenderloin Harvest Party in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Photo: Sarah Rice, Special To The Chronicle

Senator Leeland Yee greets people at the Tenderloin Harvest Party...

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Senator Leeland Yee works in his office at his campaign headquarters in San Francisco, Calif., Saturday, October 15, 2011.

Photo: Sarah Rice, Special To The Chronicle

Senator Leeland Yee works in his office at his campaign...

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2011 mayoral candidate and state senator, Leland Yee, explains his platform to the editorial board of the San Francisco Chronicle in San Francisco on Sept. 29, 2011.

Photo: Tim Maloney, The Chronicle

2011 mayoral candidate and state senator, Leland Yee, explains his...

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State Senator Leland Yee speaks about his request for details of all contracts for the past five years between the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, city departments and the Chinatown Community Development Center during a news conference on the steps of City Hall on Monday, September 26, 2011 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: Beck Diefenbach, Special To The Chronicle

State Senator Leland Yee speaks about his request for details of...

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Senator Leeland Yee and other politicians show up and speak in support of OccupySF at Justin Herman Plaza on Thursday October 27, 2011. The police ended up not raiding the camp.

Photo: Susana Bates, Special To The Chronicle

Senator Leeland Yee and other politicians show up and speak in...

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California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco is reflected in a plaque on his office wall on February 9, 2011 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco...

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California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco prepares to leave his office at the state capitol in Sacramento to return to San Francisco on February 9, 2011 in Sacramento, Calif.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco...

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California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco is reflected in his rear view mirror as he drives to his office at the state capitol in Sacramento on February 9, 2011 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco...

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Calif. State Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) campaigns for San Francisco mayor in San Francisco, Friday, March 4, 2011 at a rally for University of California workers.

Photo: Paul Sakuma, AP

Calif. State Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco) campaigns for San...

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Posters for mayoral candidate and State Sen. Leland Yee are displayed for supporters at the Imperial Palace restaurant in San Francisco, Calif. on Friday, Sept. 23, 2011.

Photo: Thomas Webb, The Chronicle

Posters for mayoral candidate and State Sen. Leland Yee are...

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Democratic state senator Leland Yee, a San Francisco mayoral candidate, listens at the Fillmore Neighborhood Association mayoral debate in San Francisco, Calif., August 18, 2011.

Photo: Sarah Rice, Special To The Chronicle

Democratic state senator Leland Yee, a San Francisco mayoral...

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California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco has some lipstick removed from his cheek at a reception in Bucks Tavern on February 9, 2011 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco...

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California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco waits for members of his staff outside of the offices of Yelp on February 9, 2011 in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee of district 8 in San Francisco...

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California State Senator Leland Yee speaks at a reception for African American students at Saint Mary's Cathedral in 2011 in San Francisco. Yee ended up finishing in 5th place in the final voting for the mayor campaign that year.

Photo: David Paul Morris, Special To The Chronicle

California State Senator Leland Yee speaks at a reception for...

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California attorney general and Democratic candidate for governor Jerry Brown (center) and California assemblywoman Fiona Ma look on as California state sen. Leland Yee (right) speaks during a news conference with Asian Pacific Islander leaders on October 18, 2010 in San Francisco.

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

California attorney general and Democratic candidate for governor...

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State Sen.Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, left, who had recently received death threats because of his proposed gun control legislation, talks with Sen. Bill Emmerson, R-Redlands at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Friday, Feb. 15, 2013. Everett Basham, 45, appeared in Santa Clara County Superior Court, Friday, where he was arraigned on a dozen charges for allegedly threatening Yee.

Photo: Rich Pedroncelli, AP

State Sen.Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, left, who had recently...

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State Senator Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, right, and Sen. Kevin de Leon, D-Los Angeles, celebrate the passage of their gun control measures during the Senate session at the Capitol in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, May 29, 2013. Democrats in the state Senate passed a series of firearms bills including de Leon's SB53 which requires ammunition buyers to get a permit, have a background check and pay a fee, and Yee's SB47 which prohibits so-called bullet buttons and other devices that allows swift reloading of ammunition magazines.

(03-26) 19:36 PDT SAN FRANCISCO -- California Democratic senators - wary from months of scandals - called for the immediate resignation of state Sen. Leland Yee, saying Wednesday that charges of gun trafficking and public corruption leveled against their colleague are "appalling."

"I want Leland Yee gone," a furious Senate Leader Darrell Steinberg said of the San Francisco Democrat who is a 2014 candidate for secretary of state. Steinberg said he is immediately removing Yee from all committee assignments.

Steinberg's reaction to the latest scandal - the third to hit the headlines this year - represented a departure from earlier calls for justice to play out after the conviction of state Sen. Rod Wright of Baldwin Park (Los Angeles County) on voter fraud charges. The Senate leader took a stronger position after the arrest of state Sen. Ron Calderon of Montebello on bribery charges this year by calling on the Los Angeles County Democrat to resign or be suspended.

Both of those legislators are on a paid leave of absence pending the legal completion of their cases.

Steinberg said Yee faces charges that "create a huge cloud over the institution."

"Obviously, he can't come back," said Steinberg, who then added, "well, if he's acquitted he can."

In a show of solidarity, Steinberg was flanked by Democratic Sens. Jim Beall of San Jose, Loni Hancock of Berkeley and Mark Leno of San Francisco.

"Every indictment, every arrest, every arraignment and even every suspicion or allegation reflects very poorly on each of us and all of us," Leno said.

Beall, who has known Yee for more than 30 years, said "to see this happen is a total flabbergast to me."

"The chairman of the Human Services Committee of the state Senate, a child psychologist working with foster kids. ... It's absolutely incredible," he said.

Yee's scandal shakes up a crowded secretary of state race.

The San Francisco Democrat has raised $800,000 for the race, although his most recent campaign finance filing indicates he has spent all but $134,000 of that.